Get Active for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women in the United States and in 2008, 210,203 women were diagnosed with this serious disease. But did you know that being physically active, staying at a healthy weight, and getting regular screenings can lower the risk for chronic health problems like breast cancer?
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), and efforts are being made to educate and empower women about their health to help prevent this serious disease. As a community, there are many things that can be done to help lower women’s risk of breast cancer. Get involved in community groups to help:
- Increase screening in your community: Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Women 40–49 years old should talk to a doctor about when to start getting mammograms. Women 50–74 years should get screened every two years. Provide this important information to members of your community through newsletters, brochures, and pamphlets to increase use of screening services!
- Encourage exercise in your neighborhood: Working with your community to provide more locations for physical activity, such as parks and sidewalks, is an effective way to increase activity. There might even be a NBCAM 5K race in your community!
- Help members of your community maintain a healthy weight: Encourage your friends and neighbors to eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Implement workplace programs that change diet and promote physical activity to target adults.
Although we have made great strides regarding breast cancer awareness and treatment, there is still much to accomplish. NBCAM is dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health, this month, and all year long. So dedicate this month to the women in your life and spread the word. What is your community doing to raise awareness this month?
Want to know more?
Women’s Health: http://www.cdc.gov/women/
Breast Cancer Information: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/
Comment
First Time Here?
Register so you can post, participate and connect with other members.
Visit the Communities section to find communities working on issues that interest you.
Participate in discussions or start your own conversation in the Public Discussions section.
Learn more About Us, and read over the User Guide and Member Guidelines. Contact Us if you have any questions.
Learn More About CDC’s “Healthy Schools” Initiative
Research shows that when students eat healthy and are more physically active, they do better in school. With the help of CDC, communities nationwide are putting this research into practice, year-round.
Learn more about what communities are doing to help schools become places where students not only learn about the importance of eating healthier and being more physically active but, in fact, eat healthier and move more.
Topics
Show Your Support
To show your support, choose your favorite badge and then just copy and paste the code in your website.
In The News
The Daily Iowan, “Iowa City elementary students forgo buses and walk to school” 5/14/13
The Virginian-Pilot, “In an urban food desert, markets make a mobile oasis” 5/13/13
The Tennessean, “Partners help city fight child obesity” 5/11/13
Featured Communities
National Partners
Several national partner organizations support our mission. View the list here.
© 2013 Created by Making Health Easier
You need to be a member of MakingHealthEasier.org to add comments! To join this site, click the "register" link above and then click the "click here to request access" link at the top of this community's page.
Join MakingHealthEasier.org